Nyons
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Commune of Nyons View of Nyons |
|
Location | |
Longitude | 5° 08' 23" E |
Latitude | 44° 21' 37" N |
Administration | |
---|---|
Country | France |
Région | Rhône-Alpes |
Département | Drôme |
Arrondissement | Nyons |
Canton | Nyons (chief town) |
Intercommunality | Communauté de communes du Val d'Eygues |
Mayor | Pierre Combes (2001-2008) |
Statistics | |
Altitude | 234 m–940 m (avg. 270 m) |
Land area¹ | 23.45 km² |
Population² (1999) |
6,731 |
- Density (1999) | 287/km² |
Miscellaneous | |
INSEE/Postal code | 26220/ 26110 |
¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq. mi. or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
² Population sans doubles comptes: single count of residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel). | |
Nyons is a commune in south-eastern France in the Drôme département.
Contents |
[edit] History
Nyons was settled in the 6th century BC as Nyrax by a Gallic tribe, probably the Segusiavi or the Sequani. Hecataeus mentioned Nyrax around 500 BC when writing about the Celts. It is situated next to the river Aigues or Eygues, which is crossed by an ancient bridge. Nyons profites from a very mild microclimate, which makes it a good place for people suffering from respiratory problems, for which a special clinic is founded.
[edit] Demographics
Nyons is of regional importance for the southern Drôme, being sous-préfecture. It features two collèges and a lycée; as well as important shopping facilities and touristic attractions. Villages that are facilitated by Nyons are situated within an area of about 20 to 30 km, such as Les Pilles, Aubres, Venterol and Mirabel-aux-Baronnies.
[edit] Twin towns
Nyons is twinned with: